Braces for KidsPhoenix, AZ
If a child has crooked teeth or alignment problems, we can provide braces for kids to help treat them. With braces, we can straighten their teeth and help promote a healthier smile. Braces for kids will involve brackets and wires on the teeth to gradually shift them into the proper position.
Braces for kids are available at Nett Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Phoenix and the surrounding area. By correcting the alignment of the child's teeth, we can help the child have an easier time cleaning their teeth. This way, there is a decreased chance of plaque buildup on the teeth.
Call us at 623-759-7658 to schedule an appointment and learn if braces are the right treatment for your child.
What Are Braces for Kids?
Braces for kids are a form of teeth straightening that involve the use of metal brackets and wires to shift the teeth into a straighter position gradually. Braces are a versatile form of treatment that is capable of treating mild, moderate, and severe malocclusions. We treat a range of specific alignment complications, including:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Bite complications
Braces can pull teeth that appear and crooked and do not align correctly with the adjacent teeth into an ideal position. They also fix crowded teeth as well, which may the result of teeth that are too large, a jaw that is too small, or another issue. Our team may also recommend braces for kids with gaps between teeth that cause a cosmetic concern. We may also recommend braces for kids with bite complications such as an underbite, overbite, or crossbite.
Benefits of Braces for Kids
While most parents are familiar with the cosmetic benefits braces offer kids, they may not realize there are also oral health benefits as well. Several of the more notable benefits include:
- A more attractive smile
- Increased confidence
- Better oral health
- Long-term results
Most patients prefer a straighter smile to crooked teeth. However, children may not always feel the same way when it comes to wearing metal brackets on their teeth. We can help provide possible options with a more discreet appearance for older patients. With braces, children will have an easier time cleaning their teeth correctly. Braces help to treat the cracks and crevices that form with crooked teeth.
We can also help patients continue to maintain a set of straight teeth throughout their life with a retainer.
The Braces Placement Process
Before the placement of braces for kids, our orthodontist will conduct an oral exam, take dental X-rays, and take an impression of the teeth. In some instances of overcrowding, tooth extraction might be necessary to make room for teeth to shift properly during treatment. Other preparations may include the use of spacers to create more room for teeth to shift.
For the placement of the braces, we attach brackets to the outer surface of each tooth. The next step involves placing a customized archwire through each bracket to connect them. As teeth shift into a better position, the archwire will be changed periodically until the smile is properly aligned.
After treatment, the child or teenager will need to wear a customized retainer as directed to ensure teeth remain in their new position long-term.
Proper Care for Braces
Parents need to help their child care for the braces to ensure the treatment plan stays on course. If the child damages the braces during treatment, it can cause the straightening treatment to take longer than expected. Care techniques to keep in mind for the best possible results include:
- Limit foods high in sugar and starch
- Avoid hard foods and chewing ice
- Brush, floss and rinse regularly
- Check for signs of complications daily
- Visit our orthodontist as directed
Foods that are high in sugar and other carbohydrates may cause an acidic erosion that leads to cavities when combined with naturally-occurring bacteria inside the mouth. It is also important to avoid ice and hard and crunchy foods that may damage the wires or brackets, along with sticky foods that may be tough to clean out of the braces.
A good oral hygiene schedule will also help keep teeth clean and healthy throughout treatment.
Contact Us
We offer braces for kids of all ages, in addition to orthodontic evaluations and treatment recommendations. To learn more about braces for kids and schedule an appointment, call us at (623) 759-7658 today.
Nett Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is located at
2020 W. Whispering Wind Dr Suite 113
Phoenix, AZ
85085
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child needs braces?
If the child has crooked teeth, bite issues or gaps between their teeth, then they may be a candidate for braces. We can determine if braces are the most effective course of action during an appointment. The first step is to call us and schedule an appointment.
When will my child need braces?
In most cases, a child will begin wearing braces around the age of 10. In other cases, they may not wear braces until they are around 12 years of age. If the child needs to straighten their teeth before all of their adult teeth are in, then we can consider space maintainers or other orthodontic treatment options.
Are there any foods my child needs to avoid when wearing braces?
Yes. Children wearing braces need to avoid hard, sticky, chewy, and sugary foods. Things like nuts, popcorn, caramel, bubblegum, and more can damage the braces. We will go over the list of foods to avoid during the appointment.
What should I do if my child damages the braces?
If a wire begins to come loose, is poking the gums, or there is another issue with the braces, call us right away. We can help advise you on how to proceed. In most cases, we can help parents help relieve the pain until the child can visit our orthodontist.
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